Madrid/Museums etc.

If you like paintings Renaissance to Neo-classic to Romantic era go to the Prado
If you like the Modern stuff go to the Reina Sophia.
Then go to the Mercado San Miguel and around the Plaza Mayor.

For art, I suggest the Thyssen museum. The Prado is great, but huge. The Thyssen is more manageable.

If you're there in spring, summer, early fall, I suggest the Royal Botanical Garden (Jardin Real).
If gardens aren't your thing, then try the Royal Palace (Palacio Real). Interesting history and art. It's on the opposite end of town from the Thyssen, so you may want to take the metro or a bus. That way, you can see a little more of the city, too.
Enjoy, I loved Madrid.

On our 2nd full day we enjoyed a free walking tour with Ogo Tours to orient ourselves. We did a Tapas Tour that evening to get acquainted with the cuisine. We also recommend the Prado, & Reina Sofia. If you prefer, the Royal Palace is an alternative to a museum. We enjoyed the Mercado San Miquel and had a Picnic lunch outside. If you like dried figs they have the best!

The Prado and the Royal Alcazar of Madrid.

We enjoyed the Royal Palace and the Prado. My husband also really enjoyed one afternoon seeing a bullfight (Sunday afternoons). A highlight, too, was walking from the Royal Palace to Plaza Major, etc. in the evenings.

see what their special exhibits are...they are always changing and there might be something you really want to see.

Definitely the Prado and the Royal Palace.

For free admission to the Prado Museum visit Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm to 8pm, or Sundays from 5pm to 8pm.

For free admission to the Reina Sofia Museum visit Monday to Friday from 7pm to 9pm, Saturday from 2.30pm to 9pm, or Sunday from 10am to 2.30pm

Depending upon your specific interests, there's the Museo Naval de Madrid just up the street from the Prado. We thought it a fascinating place - lots of artifacts, paintings, models and explanatory story boards describing the Golden Age of the Spanish empire ... dating from the 1400's, so there's a lot about the 1588 armada, the voyages of discovery to the New World, etc. Their prized possession is the first map of the the Americas commissioned after Columbus' return - the original parchment is on display.

Great suggestions; thanks to all of you...

Jean